With so many varieties of Taiwanese white tea, how do you brew them to perfection? Different types require different brewing methods. Using Taiwan’s most common White Peony (Bai Mudan) and Gongmei as examples, we’ll help you enjoy a delicious cup of Taiwanese white tea right at home. Here is how to brew Taiwanese white tea:
How to Brew Taiwanese White Tea: Remember Not to Use Too High Water Temperature
Before you begin, prepare porcelain teaware, 5g of Taiwanese white tea (White Peony or Gongmei), and 200 ml of hot water at 90–95°C.
- Place 5g of Taiwanese white tea into the teapot.
- Pour 200 ml of hot water into the teapot.
- Steep for 30 seconds, then pour out the tea.
- Add 10 seconds for each subsequent steeping.
If you are brewing Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen), Shoumei, or aged white tea, the brewing method requires a few adjustments.
Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen)
If you happen to get your hands on Taiwanese Silver Needle, the brewing method is largely the same as above. Because Silver Needle consists entirely of tender buds, the water temperature should not be too high—generally around 90°C is ideal. Since the buds are covered in downy hairs, they release their flavor a bit more slowly, so you can extend the steeping time slightly, typically around 30 to 40 seconds.
Shoumei
Shoumei is mostly made from mature leaves with a slightly coarser texture, so you can brew it with hot water above 95°C. The steeping time is roughly 30 seconds.
How to Brew Aged White Tea
Aged white tea has usually been stored for quite some time, so it is generally brewed with boiling water and requires rinsing the leaves 1 to 2 times. This helps remove any off-flavors and allows the true character of the tea to fully emerge. Aged white tea releases its flavor faster than fresh tea, so the steeping time is relatively short—about 20 seconds is sufficient.
Tips for Brewing Taiwanese White Tea
Everyone has different tastes and preferences for how strong they like their tea. During the actual brewing process, you can adjust the strength of the tea by changing the amount of tea leaves, water temperature, or steeping time. We hope every tea lover can brew a delicious cup of Taiwanese white tea.